ESENTEPE KKSK v SERDARLI GB
Sunday March 26 : KO 3-00pm : K-Pet League 1 Beyaz Group : Venue : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
By Richard Beale………….
It doesn’t seem possible that is the last home match of the season, as it only seems like yesterday that the first match was being played. But time waits for no man and us football supporters must wake up to the fact that the season will soon be over and there will be no escape from DIY jobs soon.
ESENTEPE KKSK -v- SERDARLI GB
Esentepe are sitting pretty in 4th position, knowing that whatever happens in the last 2 matches, their League 1 status is secure and guaranteed. If all goes well then there is a strong possibility of a promotion “play off” place within their grasp. Serdarlı on the other hand face a very different battle. With only 2 League matches left and being bottom but one in the League they are in great danger of being one of the 3 teams that are automatically relegated to the summer BTM League next season. Serdarlı are in deep water and clinging on very precariously to the life raft. They really must win their remaining 2 matches and rely on other teams’ results to even achieve a chance to play in the relegation “play outs”.
This weekend sees the clash of 2nd place Gönyeli and third place Lapta in one of the most important matches of the season. A Gönyeli win will almost see them clinch one of the promotion” play off places.” Esentepe will be hoping for this as their last match of the season is away to Lapta, where providing they beat Serdarlı then a draw may see them clinch the remaining “play off” place. Just because Serdarlı are struggling this is no means a “give me” match for Esentepe, Serdarlı will be scrapping for everything, they still have pride and must command respect.
These are tense and interesting times ahead for a few teams and their supporters.
For Serdarlı who have been in the “wilderness” for a couple of seasons after falling out with the Football Federation it will be tragic if they got relegated. It was only 4 seasons ago that they were playing “Supa League” football, attracting good players and crowds.
Esentepe will be missing 2 players, defenders Firat and Emre who picked up their 4th bookings of the season in last weeks’ impressive win over Doğancı. Şahin is likely to take Firat’s place in the centre of the defence. Burak and Muhammed will be in contention to replace Emre at right back. Esentepe will still have 5 players on 3 yellow cards, which is a worry going into Sunday’s match.
Earlier this year, on January 21st to be precise, Esentepe came away with a fortuitous 1-0 away win scoring the winning goal as late as the 88th minute. İlyas managed to head home a tantalising cross from substitute Burak. Esentepe were not at their best, but rode their luck to clinch 3 vital points.
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE ;
Season 2011-12 : 16-10-2011: ESENTEPE KKSK 2 SERDARLI GB 0.
Two late goals through Mumin (82) and Aras (90 +3), saw Esentepe overcome Serdarlı in a typical close fought “derby” match.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Tuğrul (gk) : Hasan, Berkan, Oğuz, Nersin : Kaan (Mumin 60),Vurkan, Hüseyin ( Eser 68), Aras : Hakan, Halil (Emrah 81).
CURRENT FORM : (current match 1st) :
ESENTEPE : WWLLLD : SERDARLI : LLWLLW. :
SO CALLED EXPERT PREDICTIONS :
Graham “2 jags” 2-1 Esentepe win : Burl Ives : 3-0 Esentepe win : Devon Pixie : 2-0 Esentepe win : Pothole Pete : 2-0 Esentepe win : Sabrerich : 3-1 Esentepe win.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM
20TL Admission with no charge for ladies and children. Good refreshments and toilet facilities. Ample free car parking and for location of the ground please click here
